IESLA Luminaire Design Competition

Introduction

The IES Los Angeles section is happy to re-launch the Lesley Wheel luminaire design competition for the 2023-2024 school year! In honor of the late Lesley Wheel, we invite students in 2-yr, 4-yr and graduate programs in Southern California to design a table lamp inspired by the city of Los Angeles. Showcase your design talents to the lighting industry. The IES Los Angeles will be awarding a total of $5,000 to the top designs.

Objectives

Design a table lamp with the given parts in the provided kit (available Dec. 2023). Click here for technical info and submission requirements. Click here for Design Brochure template.

Timeline

October 2, 2023 - Online registration opens on IESLA website
January 15 - February 22, 2024 - Luminaire Kits will be dropped off at local Universities or for pick up at the IESLA Product Fair
December 2023 - April 2024 - Let your imagination run wild! Design, design, design!
May 13 or 14, 2024 - Submissions due. Click here for Final Submittal Details.
May 15, 2024 - Final Judging at PLP Lighting Experience Center
June 28, 2024 - Award winners invited to Lumen West Awards (Southern California Illumination Awards)

Final Judging!

Students entries will be on display at the PLP Lighting Experience Center on Wednesday May 15, 2024 beginning at 5pm. Come celebrate the re-launch of the Lesley Wheel Design Competition! See below for details:

Date:
Wednesday, May 15 2024

Time:

  • 5pm-6pm- Arrival/Food/Socialize
  • 6pm-7pm- Final Judging
  • 7pm-7.30pm- Judges meet privately to determine winners
  • 7.30pm-8pm- Announcement of winners!

Location:
Prudential Lighting Experience Center
1760 East 22nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058

Parking will be available in secure lot for free

Kits!

IESLA is thrilled to partner with Tivoli and PLP to provide lighting kits to the students.

Who is Lesley Wheel?

Lesley Wheel (1929-2004) was a pioneering lighting designer who trained in theater lighting and production. After eight years in theater design, she discovered her calling for architecture. She was the first woman to practice lighting design full time. In 1961 she co-founded the firm Wheel-Garon. She was the founder and board member of the Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education. Since its inception the fund has given $1.7 million dollars to support lighting education in North America. One of her most notable projects is Union Station in Los Angeles. The IES Los Angeles is happy to keep her name and spirit alive by continuing this award program for the next generation.

I am a lighting professional…. How can I get involved?

2024 IESLA Program & Events Sponsors

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